When overseas agents for products such as health insurance start dictating and redefining “approved” services, it is important for them and their clients to realise the legal entanglement they are engaging in. The standards are set by professional bodies and if the local agent decides not to recognise say, a doctor’s qualification despite this being recognised by the local country, then this is an attempt to set up a cartel.
Holding back 20% from those outside the cartel is illegal and BUPA International does not consent to such tactics. This case, I seem to recall the ‘rogue traders’ who rather than promote compliance with standards and high-level criteria, instead mislead consumers and force them to use substandard products. Only in Malta could this go on for so long.

Joe Portelli
Via email